January 16

Source: The Arizona Republic

January 16, 2004

Renowned sculptor nuts over movie star
by Kate Nolan

Scottsdale - Taliesin sculptor Heloise Crista is ga ga over Russell Crowe.

Oh, it's no secret. She openly flutters her eyes and calls the Australian movie star her heartthrob. Two years ago, Frank Lloyd Wright's former apprentice cast a bronze bust of Crowe. Crista, whose work normally sells for thousands of dollars, has won some renown for another bust she did - of Wright.

But this was different. She prepared for the work by watching Crowe's movies. When the bronze was cast, she wanted to give it to Crowe. Only she had no idea how. Then last summer, friends invited Crista to their wedding in Australia. The 70-something Taliesin Fellow tossed the Crowe bronze into her suitcase.

"I figured somebody there must know where to send it," she said.

In Sydney, a friend of a friend pointed out a high-rise across Sydney Bay, saying it was where Crowe stays when he's in Sydney. Bingo. Crista's new friend agreed to deliver the bubble-wrapped bust to Crowe's doorman.

Weeks passed, the sculptor returned to her studio, and one day she got a letter. "Dear Heloise," it began. "Thanks for the bust. It's very flattering. All the best, Russell Crowe."

Crista was elated. "If I'm going to be famous for anything, it's going to be for getting a note from Russell Crowe," she gushed.

But some people think her works at the Biltmore Hotel, Taliesin and in collections all over the world may provide some competition.